To support, update, and train the various academic departments at Rice on immigration processes that impact international student and scholars, OISS regularly organizes department trainings, workshops, and roundtable discussions. All our events, for departments, students, and scholars can be seen on our Event Calendar.

Annual Department Training

Held every year to provide important updates regarding changes to immigration laws, processes, compliance requirements, etc.

Wednesday, February 12, 2025
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Zoom Meeting ID: 931 2822 3135 | Passcode: OISS

Click here to access the slides from the 2025 OISS Department Training.

Spring Info Sessions/Trainings

Additional information sessions/trainings are typically held every spring to train new Department Coordinators and Administrators regarding processes for inviting international students and scholars to Rice on specific visa types or categories, while also offering the seasoned Department Coordinators/Administrators the opportunity to bring their questions, issues, and unique cases for discussion.

F-1 Training
This training will focus on the processes for international students on F-1 visas, including admissions, pre-arrival information, orientation, and maintaining status.
Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Click here to join the Zoom meeting (no registration required).
Zoom Meeting ID: 994 9495 8379 | Passcode: 753268
Presubmit any special topics you're interested in and questions by email to Agnes (rv5@rice.edu) or Elmira (eg18@rice.edu)

J-1 Training
This training will focus on the process for international scholars on J-1 visas.
Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Click here to join the Zoom meeting (no registration required).
Zoom Meeting ID: 918 3404 8387 | Passcode: 208744
Click here to complete a survey regarding J scholar trainings to help us better understand your needs!

H-1B Training
This training will focus on the process for international scholars on H-1B visas.
Tuesday, April 1, 2025, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Click here to join the Zoom meeting (no registration required).
Zoom Meeting ID: 949 0068 4226 | Passcode: 446126
Presubmit question by email to Andy (thm1@rice.edu)

Workshops

OISS also offers semesterly immigration seminars for international students and scholars interested in the H-1B visa and Permanent Residency, as well as a spring workshop on filing U.S. Taxes. Department Coordinators and Administrators are welcome to attend these sessions if they wish, but are especially encouraged to remind their international students and scholars who may benefit from the information to attend.